Oldham County Parks and Recreation is launching a coffeehouse for musicians and music lovers to provide a home for the roots music scene in the area.
Parks and recreation Director Tim Curtis said, “I’ve been throwing around the idea of having a song-writing competition for a couple of years.”
He said it made sense to establish a local music scene before hosting the competition.
After watching the WoodSongs program on television he contacted the organization, based out of Lexington, about bringing the coffeehouse opportunity to Oldham County.
Folksinger Michael Johnathon launched WoodSongs and has devoted his career to spreading folk music through his syndicated radio show, the WoodSongs Old-Time Radio Hour.
Through the WoodSongs Coffeehouse each local chapter provides an independent stage for regional artists and gives audiences a chance to explore the rich world of music that exists in their hometowns.
Roots music can best be described as an acoustic style that can include bluegrass, country, spiritual and singer/songwriter.
The WoodSongs Coffeehouse will be a family friendly venue where new players and seasoned performers will be given the opportunity to teach and learn from each other.
Musicians of all skill levels are encouraged to come prepared to listen closely and play freely.
Artists will be given the opportunity to perform solo or as a group for 15 minutes by signing up with Curtis.
After a few scheduled performances the format will become more free-form with smaller groups breaking off for side sessions.
“I’ve felt like for a long time, there are a lot of people who play this type of music,” Curtis said, “I think it’ll be a great fit for Oldham County.”
Storefront Congregation, a quartet based out of Louisville, is set to play at the first coffeehouse.
Member Murrell Thixton said, “We’re kind of unique because we all do our own thing and all four of us sing.”
He said the group uses bluegrass instruments to play a variety of genres including blues, country and swing music. “We’re looking forward to coming back to the area,” Thixton added.
The first WoodSongs Coffeehouse will be 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 18 at the John W. Black Community Center, 1551 N. Ky. 393 in Buckner.
To sign up for a performance time or for additional information contact Tim Curtis at 225-0655 ortcurtis@oldhamcounty.net.

Submitted photo/ Alfred Moreschi and Dean Lavenson

Members of the Storefront Congregation, a local quartet, will perform during the Woodsongs Coffeehouse event.